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DARY! LEGENDARY!!! (A reference to my favorite TV show)I was back at the "real" job today, trying to get caught up after being out for a week. I got back from the Rally on Monday night but didn't really get settled back into my routine until today. Didn't help that my luggage got misplaced on the flight home, first time that's ever happened to me (it did show up on Tuesday though). But this whole trip was a trip of firsts. It actually even started before the Rally when I actually GOT A CALL about a dispatch forward (I'll save the details of that for later when I have more concrete info). I knew that this event was going to be great, I just had no idea how great it was going to be. This was my first Rally as well as my first trip to California. Of course, I didn't get to actually see any of California. Basically, I left Nashville, landed at LAX, took the shuttle to the Westin, stayed inside until Sunday afternoon when I walked to the Taco Bell for lunch, went back to the Westin, then took the shuttle back to LAX on Monday and flew home. In between those two flights were many, MANY moments that I won't soon forget.It would take me forever to type up all the great things that I learned or experienced while I was there so I'm just going to try and keep it brief for now and if questions pop up, then I'll get into more detail. Some of the highlights would be the Lamont Dozier session, getting my music into the hands of Jerry Davis (FOX Sports), my one-on-one mentor session with Sebastian Robertson which was both encouraging and validating, ALL of the Jason Blume sessions, the story that Mazz has already shared about the guy coming up to him to give him a CD (I was there!), ernstenin forgetting that he already met C.H.E. (I was there for that one too!), hanging out with the forum members, especially Dave Walton and Ted, meeting Audiorayne, having a chance to talk to Michael, my conversations with heinsite, my "this is how I master in Pro Tools" session on Sunday with "Don Digital" (a soon-to-be forum member), my shuttle ride back to the airport with Sherrill Blackman that turned into a 2 hour conversation about college basketball, and so many more. I would try and mention each person that I had a chance to meet by name but I know that I would end up leaving some out, so I'll just say that it was wonderful getting to meet everyone that was there. And when I got home and checked my email, I found out that I had 2 songs forwarded! What a great way to wrap things up! I'm already looking forward to next year!- Big Blue

Big Blue.. that's awesome man... way to go with the forwards.... I thought it was really cool of you to share your mastering insights with "Don Digital", that was one of the highlights of my weekend. A lot of times up in this area the musicians fight and compete with each other. It was refreshing to see you helping out another person... and it reminded me of how wonderful this forum is. I don't participate as much as I'd like (I'm writing songs and recording and playing shows), but after the Rally weekend and meeting a ton of the dots face to face (and still not entirely clear on who half of you are... I'm slow!!) I'm committed to droping by more often and sharing a thing or two with everyone! Anyway... Big Blue you rock man... was definitely glad to meet you and hang with you a little bit.

Thanks Ron I'm a firm believer in giving is better than receiving. It just made my day to be able to help him with that. I know I'm no expert in that stuff, but I feel like I've learned a lot over the last few months and was glad to be able to pass that info along. I hope he's able to use it. He definitely seemed eager to learn, that makes sharing like that so much easier, when you know the person is truly interested in it. He said he's going to join the forums, I hope he does!Speaking of forums, I agree, this forum is a wonderful place. I'm glad I had a chance to meet and hang with you too. I saw you during the open mic on Thursday night and said to myself "I gotta meet this guy!" but you slipped out before I could. So I was glad I ran into you on Friday night and that we got to hang a bit on Sunday. rock on!Big Blue

That's one of my favorite TV shows too (I only get to watch them on DVD though). It was really great meeting you and getting to know you. Make sure you let us know what happens (one way or the other) on that one forward. I love that track and I really think that will eventually land someplace.Here's to your success.Trent

Thanks Trent, nice meeting you as well... Trust me, I'll be sure I let 'EVERYBODY' know what happens with that song! Sorry, couldn't resist that one

BIG BLUE!!!!!Hey, my friend. Let me just say what a JOY it was to meet you and spend some time yakking. BTW, it's looking like I really WILL be in your neck o' the woods sometime early next year...maybe late Feb./early March...and I will absolutely look forward to seeing your studio. An overgrown Spring Hill ... eh, not so much. But your place, without a doubt. We'll chat about details via PM, OK?Not only are you kicking some serious butt lately with all your forwards, and I can't help but be happy for you about that; but you also have such an enormous, open heart. I'm pretty happy about that, too. It was so clear just being near you. You will find great success, I'm sure of it. PLUS, these boards will ALWAYS benefit from your presence (and the presence of so many others like you. OK, y'all don't make me start crying...). Looking forward to our next meeting.SO glad you made it to L.A.Ted

Nov 14, 2008, 7:43am, bigbluebarry wrote:Thanks Trent, nice meeting you as well... Trust me, I'll be sure I let 'EVERYBODY' know what happens with that song! Sorry, couldn't resist that one Good one.

Ted, I enjoyed getting the chance to talk to you as well and I'm looking forward to having you come over when you're in town. Just send me a PM when you know more of the details and we'll get it all worked out.- Big Blue

hi BBB, i met you very briefly but was happy to at least have had that! looking forward to getting to know you better here on the forum and glad you had a cool first rally. it was my 4th but definitely my favorite to date

Thanks hazineju, it was nice meeting you too, brief as it was. I'm already looking forward to next year and I'm still trying to process everything from this one!- Big Blue